2. Research 205

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Research Methods (205) 1

CHAPTER 2

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Definition of Scientific Method

Scientific method is an approach used by the

psychologists to systematically

1. Acquire knowledge

2. Understand the behavior and phenomenon of interest

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Steps in ScientificMethod

Three steps:

A. Identifying problem

Sources of problem

i) Behavior / phenomena which requires explanation

ii) Prior research finding

iii) Curiosity, creativity, insight

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B. Formulate an explanation / hypothesis

C. Carry out research

Steps

1. Operationalize hypothesis

2. Select a research methods

3. Collect data

4. Analyze data

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Operationalization

Restating the hypothesis into procedures

which is

Specific, Testable, Measurable, and observable.

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RESEARCHMETHODS

2. Naturalistic observation

3. Survey research

4. Case study

5. Correlational research

6. Experimental research

1. Archival research

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1. Archival Research

Existing data is used to test hypothesis.

Census documents

College records

Newspaper clippings

Problems of archival research:

Data may not exist

Data may be unusable

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2. NaturalisticObservation

The observer observes some naturally occurring behavior.

No changes is made in the situation

Advantage

We get a sample of behavior that people do in thenatural settings

Disadvantages

1. We need to wait until the appropriate conditions occur

2. People may alter their reactions

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3. SurveyResearchIn survey research a representative sample is asked a series

of questions about their behavior, thoughts, and attitudes.

Advantages: A straightforward way

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Limitations

1. If the sample is not representative then the results willhave little meaning.

2. People may respond inaccurately ifloaded questions

are used.

3. Social desirability effect

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4. Case

StudyCase study is the in-depth, intensive study of an individual

or a small group of people.

Personality tests are sometimes used.

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CorrelationalResearchThe relationship between two or more variables is

examined to determine whether they are associated orcorrelated.

Range of correlation: + 1 to - 1

Types of correlation

1. Positive correlation

In positive correlation if the value of one variable increase, the

value of another variable will also increase.

OR, if the value of one variable decreases the value of

another variable will also decrease.

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Negative Correlation

In negative correlation if the value of one variable increase,

the value of other variable decreases.

ZeroCorrelation

When there is no relation between two variables it iscalled zero correlation.

Correlation method allows to predict the strengthof the

relation between two variables but not the cause andeffect relationship.

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Experimental

ResearchIn experimental research the relation between two ormore variable is investigated.

One variable is deliberately changed in a situation. Thisvariable is called independent variable.

The effect of that change on other variables are observed.

These variables are called dependent variable.

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In an experiment there must be at least two groups:

experimental group and control group.

The Experimental group consists of subjects who

receive some special treatment in regard to the

independent variable.

The control group consists of similar subjects who do

not receive the special treatment given to the experimental

group.

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Random assignment

A procedure in which participants are assigned to different

groups on the basis of chance and chance alone.

It ensures that the participants in each group will be equallyintelligent, extroverted, cooperative, and so on.

Experimental method allow us to draw cause-and-effect relationship.

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Limitations of Experiments / Threats to Experiment Validity

1. Experimenter expectation

Experimenters unintentionally transmit cues to participants

about the way they are expected to behave. Consequently

participants behave in the expected way that might not haveoccurred.

2. Participant expectation

Participants develop their own hypotheses about what is

expected of them and they respond / behave accordingly.

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Preventive measures

1. The true purpose of the experiment can be hidden.

2. If the purpose can not be hidden then experimental group

receives treatment and control group is givenplacebo. This

is called single - blind technique.A false treatment where there is no active ingredient.

3. Both the experimenter and the participants are kept blindto the nature of the drug. This is called double-blind

technique.

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Hypothesis:

Anxiety increases desire to affiliate

Choice of subjects College students

Assignment to groups Experimental Control

Manipulation of

independent

variable

Shocks will be

very painful

(high anxiety

group)

Shocks will

be mild and

painless

(low anxiety)

Measurement of

dependent variable

Would you prefer to wait alone or

with others? (desire to affiliate)

Comparison of results High anxiety group wanted to wait with

others more than low anxiety group did.

2. Research 205

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